Google, IBM, Fitbit Among Tech Giants Joining CTA's AI Initiative

Samara Rosenfeld

APRIL 04, 2019

More than 30 technology giants and healthcare industry leaders — including Google, IBM, Fitbit and Philips — are joining the Consumer Technology Association’s new artificial intelligence (AI) initiative to examine and advance the impact of AI in healthcare, according to today’s announcement.

The group supports the advancement of AI technologies through market research, public promotion and advocacy for pro-innovation. It will provide standards and recommend best practices to enhance the application of the technology.

“AI will boost our wellness and healthcare by improving outcomes, expanding treatment options and providing cost-cutting efficiencies,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO and president of the Consumer Technology Association.

There is a need to address complex issues associated with the use and application of AI solutions in healthcare, and the Consumer Technology Association hopes to drive consensus and standardization on definitions and characteristics of the technology.

Stakeholders across the technology and healthcare industry will be able to create common terminology and best practices for the management and oversight of data. Members of the group will also look at the trustworthiness, ethics and bias of AI.

“We must seize the opportunity to realize the potential of AI ethically, strategically and with clear goals,” Shapiro said.

The initiative addresses AI in consumer health, fitness and wellness technology and will be co-chaired by Pat Baird, regulatory head of global software standards at Philips, and Jerry Wilmink, chief business officer at CarePredict.

Among the organizations taking part in the working group include the American Telemedicine Association, AT&T, IDx Technologies, Samsung Electronics and Verizon.

The group will meet for the first time at the Consumer Technology Association’s Technology and Standards Spring Forum in San Francisco this May.

“The work produced will provide an informed framework for the use of AI in the context of healthcare,” said Rene Quashie, vice president of policy and regulatory affairs of digital health at the Consumer Technology Association.

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